Belgian Starlet’s Contract Situation Alerts Manchester United, Chelsea & Other English Clubs

Zakaria Bakkali

PSV Eindhoven star Bakaria Zakkali has apparently refused to sign a contract extension with his club which has fuelled the speculation that he could be on his way  out in January as Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are being linked with the talented winger.

Bakkali’s current contract expires next summer, so the Dutch side wanted to tie him down to a new deal. However, the 18-year old wants to wait as a host of clubs are being linked with him. His refusal to sign the new contract has cost him dearly as he will not feature in the club’s future games after being frozen out of the side.

According to Belgian media outlet HLN.be, manager Philip Cocu has been desperately trying to convince the teenager to sign a deal. At 18 years old, Bakkali has taken the Dutch league by storm and there are few murmurs that he could be the next Eden Hazard. The Belgium international can play on both sides of the pitch but prefers the left wing.

The winger is still very young, so a move will depend on whether his potential new club can guarantee him 1st team football. At the moment, it seems unlikely that any of the mentioned Premier League clubs will guarantee him that, so a subsequent loan move may follow. Arsenal and Liverpool could be a potential destination for Bakkali as the competition for places isn’t as hard compared to Chelsea and Manchester United.

Atletico Madrid also in the mix

PSV director Marcel Brands told Fox Sports in July that Atletico Madrid had reached an agreement with PSV for Bakkali, “We have an agreement with Atletico Madrid about Zakaria Bakkali, but this only counts when the player also reaches an agreement with that club.

“I understand that he’s not represented by his agent anymore and is doing business with a lawyer now.

“We made him an offer, but he refused. He gets the time to think about his future and until then, he’s training in our second squad.”